12. NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What support is the Government providing for New Zealand’s hosting of the 2012 Triathlon ITU World Championships Series grand final?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
The Government yesterday announced that $900,000 has been allocated from the Major Events Development Fund to enable Triathlon New Zealand to host the 2012 Triathlon ITU World Championship Series grand final in October of 2012. There will, of course, be associated tests at this event in late 2011. Triathlon is the fastest-growing sport in New Zealand, and local triathletes regularly do well in international events. Around 4,500 triathletes and supporters are expected to come to New Zealand for the grand final. Triathlon New Zealand’s feasibility study estimates that the event will have an impact, economically speaking, of about $30.9 million on the New Zealand economy—and who knows who else may be motivated to give triathlon a go if it all looks pretty good.
Mr SPEAKERI apologise to the honourable member, but I could not hear that question. A little more reasonableness with interjections, please.
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The Government has provided funding for a number of major events, including the 2012 Volvo Ocean Race stopover, the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival 2010, the 2010 New Zealand International Festival of the Arts, and the 2013 UCI BMX World Championships. They provide a pipeline of events that will maintain New Zealand’s major events profile and enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a host capable of presenting events in a very substantial way. They will provide television coverage of our country and will contribute to the promotion of New Zealand, and that will help others to see New Zealand as a visitor destination.